Apartment Dwellers Displaced due to Asbestos after Fire

“When the inspectors declare the building is safe, we will resume delivery.”

That’s what residents of a British Columbia apartment building saw recently when they tried to get their mail. Canada Post has suspended delivery to the apartment tower after a fire because of concern over air quality issues – namely possible asbestos contamination.

Repairs are expected to take several months. There was fire, smoke and water damage to 86 of the suites and residents were warned about the possible asbestos contamination. An official with the city of Victoria has clearly stated the need for asbestos removal procedures for the building. In addition to asbestos in the walls and ceilings, there is concern over possible mould infestation from lingering water damage.

It’s a recipe for health issues that is unfortunately all too common in older buildings, including individual homes, apartments and condo complexes and public institutions: damage can affect indoor air quality. Asbestos fibres, once released into the air, can enter the lungs and begin the damage that can lead to many respiratory issues including lethal mesothelioma.  Mould spores, once they get into your HVAC system, can disperse anywhere into a building to cause a range of symptoms including worsening allergies and other respiratory issues.

You need to breathe easy.

In Case of Fire – or Floods
Asbestos or ACM (asbestos containing materials) may be present in a wide variety of areas quite literally from floor to ceiling in homes built before the 1980’s. It can be released into the air by any activity that damages the integrity of walls, floors, ceilings and more, including:

• Fires
• Flooding
• Renovations
• Installation of windows, doors, alarm or home entertainment systems

We Can Help
At GreenStream, our experienced asbestos technicians can offer advice and either asbestos removal or asbestos remediation to safely take any potential hazard out of your way for good. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.